From an early appearance on The Johnny Cash Show, to harmonizing with family on Mexican ballads, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice makes it apparent every step of her career that Linda Ronstadt was all about her music. Indeed, if there is one thing this film makes very clear is that this lady will be remembered by the songs she sang and how she made them her own for a very long time.
Unearthing some stellar footage from the many years of Ronstadt’s career, especially those early clips when she was backed by young musicians who would later go on to become the Eagles, one can’t help but notice how seemingly effortless Ronstadt sang. One also realizes as much from what she says from interviews held over the years, to what her professional peers and friends chime in with, how headstrong and determined she was in building her career.
Ten Grammy wins, the respect of pretty much the ‘boy’s club’ of the 1970s rock world, releasing five platinum albums in a row, Ronstadt followed her musical heart to great success. Many times, she side-stepped pop career trajectory, and to many people’s complete shock (and worry), it often lead to even greater success.
After becoming the “highest-paid woman in rock,” Ronstadt explored a variety of avenues. She starred (and earned a Tony nomination) in Joe Papp’s Broadway production of Pirates of Penzance. She recorded What’s New, an album of traditional pop standards with Nelson Riddle. Four years later, she made a traditional mariachi album called Canciones de Mi Padre, which became the biggest selling non-English album in United States history at that time.
Friends and peers like Dolly Parton, Don Henley, Emmylou Harris, Peter Asher, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and so many more weigh in on Linda Ronstadt’s legacy and the love they have for what she achieved as a singer, musician, artist and activist.
Currently battling Parkinson’s disease and not making music in a professional sense, Ronstadt has the last word in Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, saying that despite her health issues, she feels lucky with what she was able to accomplish. Now, she’s living out her life the best way she can.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
Photo by Henry Diltz
